Retirement of Dodge and Ram Brands CEO Tim Kuniskis Marks the End of an Era
After an impressive 32-year career with Fiat Chrysler and its predecessors, Tim Kuniskis, the CEO of Stellantis’ Dodge and Ram brands, has announced his retirement. Kuniskis, who has been at the helm of several of the automaker’s brands in North America, is best known for his leadership in transforming Dodge into a quintessential American muscle car brand.
Under Kuniskis’ guidance, Dodge experienced a resurgence, reclaiming its status as a powerhouse in the automotive industry. The brand’s success can be attributed to its lineup of high-performance vehicles, including the iconic Challenger and Charger Hellcat models, which boast more than 700 horsepower. Additionally, Kuniskis spearheaded the development of the controversial Challenger Demon drag race cars, solidifying Dodge’s reputation as a manufacturer of fierce and adrenaline-inducing machines.
Kuniskis’ retirement comes at a time when Stellantis is undergoing a restructuring process, which involves cost-cutting measures and layoffs. The company has faced challenges in the U.S. market, with sales declining by 1.2% last year, while the overall market grew by 12.3%. Stellantis was the only major automaker to report a yearly decline in sales.
Replacing Kuniskis as CEO of Dodge and Ram brands is Christine Feuell, the current CEO of the Chrysler brand. Feuell will now take on the additional responsibility of leading Ram, further strengthening her position within Stellantis’ executive team. Matt McAlear, who has been instrumental in driving sales as Dodge’s sales lead, will be promoted to brand CEO and will also join the top executive team at Stellantis.
Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, expressed his gratitude to Kuniskis for his contributions to the company and his role in shaping the future of the electrified Ram and Dodge brands. Tavares also expressed confidence in Feuell’s ability to continue Kuniskis’ work and lead the iconic Ram brand. He believes that McAlear’s fresh perspective will be valuable in guiding the Dodge brand towards a sustainable future while preserving its rich heritage.
While Stellantis did not invest in all-new products for Dodge during Kuniskis’ tenure, his expertise as a salesperson and marketer enabled him to drive awareness and sales for the brand’s existing vehicles, such as the Charger, Challenger, and Durango. Dodge consistently generated excitement by enhancing the performance of its V-8 engines and introducing new “buzz” models that captivated enthusiasts.
Kuniskis has been an integral part of Stellantis’ top executive team since its formation through the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Groupe in January 2021. He also served on the top board for Fiat Chrysler under the leadership of late CEO Sergio Marchionne.
Kuniskis’ departure follows a series of changes within Stellantis since its establishment. These changes include a reshuffling of top executives at Jeep, the departure of North America head Mark Stewart to become CEO of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., and a restructuring of the company’s international operations, particularly in South America and the Asia-Pacific regions, including China.
As Kuniskis bids farewell to his illustrious career at Stellantis, his legacy as the driving force behind Dodge’s revitalization will undoubtedly be remembered. His passion, commitment, and innovative approach have left an indelible mark on the American muscle car brand, setting it on a trajectory towards a promising future. With Feuell and McAlear taking on leadership roles, Stellantis is well-positioned to navigate the evolving automotive landscape and continue building upon the foundation laid by Kuniskis.
